Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia

Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Newport Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, Newport Beach, CA

About Frances-Marie

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

21 years | 3,000 cases

70%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 20 years

State: California

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Frances Prizzia

5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Law Offices of Frances Prizzia

1432 Edinger Avenue, Suite 240, Tustin, CA, 92780

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Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

53 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 14 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2015 | Criminal Defense

THE BEST LAWYER EVER!!!

Frances Prizzia has been a Godsend in my life. She is knowledgeable, thorough and extremely intelligent while being down to earth with a warm and friendly personality. I have worked with her for over 3 years of a very trying time in my life, and from the very beginning she was able to get me releas...ed from custody, she was able to tie multiple cases from different courts together which allowed me to only have to deal with one consequence for all of it (which was very minimal, thanks to her). During this time she was complimented by the Judge when he told me "Your lawyer has done a great job for you today." (Something I already knew). Whenever I went to court I was able to have peace of mind because Frances Prizzia was fighting for me. She is not afraid to get in the ring (courtroom) and fight for the best possible outcome for me and my life. I don't know what I would of done or where I would of been if it wasn't for the Law Offices of Frances Prizzia. I will keep her on my team for life and recommend her to any and everyone that may need excellent representation.

Posted by marc | March 29, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Fight for the Right

I am a professional high profile security agent with a strong background in protecting some of Hollywood's finest. My profession was on the line for an accusation with no merit and I was recommended to Frances Prizzia. I am thankfull that I found such an understanding and knowledgeable attorney. S...he and her legal team assured me from the start, of this short lived case, that all would work out and be fine. Myself under pressure and great concern, Frances was a soothing and swift defense attorney whom knows her way around the court(s) and the psychology of the process. Within 30 days the case was dismissed and my background and professional future were sustained. Do yourself a favor, Retain Frances Marie Prizzia. You can't lose.

Posted by Kathleen | March 26, 2015 | Criminal Defense

The best decision I could have made!

My family has retained Ms Prizzia for a very serious legal matter that required skills such as knowledge of felony law, a professional manner, tenacity, good inter-personal skills with other members of the legal community, patience and compassion. Hiring Ms Prizzia was the best decision I could have... made. We needed to remove the felony charges from my son's record while maintaining a measure of accountability on his part, a difficult balance. As my son is a repeat offender, the DA was intent on the maximum sentence. Francis worked closely with the DA to achieve a compromise that served our goals. I highly recommend her services.

Posted by Jonathan | March 20, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Life saving help through the hardest times

Chances are if you are reading this you, or someone you care about is in dire need of help. When I retained Miss Prizzia I was looking at prison time for a fourth DUI in OC. I was frightened and thought that my life, as I knew it, was over. Thanks to the court's faith in Miss Prizzia's outlined pl...an of action, and my continued strict adherence to her plan, I am able to work, live at home, and provide for my family. I have also found a higher power through the program of AA, and am on the road to alcoholic recovery! She guided me through what has been the most difficult time in my life with care and professionalism. I am, and will always be glad I called Francis Prizzia. P.S.: If you drink, please do so in moderation, and please, please don't drive! Your life can change!

See All Client Reviews

Frances-Marie Angeles Prizzia's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Frances-Marie
Kevin Ryan Snyder headshot
Kevin Snyder

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Ms. Prizzia for her legal acumen, trial skills, and passionate defense. I had the pleasure of working alongside her during her years at the Orange County Public Defender's Office and personally witnessed the great results she wins for clients. She personifies the adage that sometimes the best defense is a strong offense. She is a fierce advocate and a tireless worker which gives her a huge edge. She will out smart, out work, and out class her competition in the courtroom. For all her tenacity and energy in court, she is very easy to work with and her compassion for her clients and their causes is immeasurable."

Geraldine Ting-Yan Wong headshot
Geraldine Wong

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Frances is an awesome trial attorney. I worked with her when she was a deputy public defender, and she was constantly winning trials and motions. Looking for a smart and aggressive attorney? Call Frances!"

Ryan Matthew Williams headshot
Ryan Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the privilege of working alongside Frances when we were both deputy public defenders several years ago. She is a relentless advocate who will never back down from defending her clients. I have seen her go toe-to-toe with overzealous prosecutors, and it pays dividends for her clients. She is outstanding in trial, and juries love her. If you need a fighter, Frances is your lawyer!"

Vijay Dinakar headshot
Vijay Dinakar

Criminal defense lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Prizzia is an aggressive and experienced criminal attorney that will fight for your rights. Highly recommended."

Jason James Buccat headshot
Jason Buccat

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Frances is the bulldog you want on your side. She brings a wealth of passion and skill to her practice, which translates into success for her clients."

Miles David Jessup headshot
Miles Jessup

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. Prizzia is a skilled and effective trial attorney. She demonstrates a deep comprehension of nuanced legal concepts while naturally understanding long term strategic concerns. She is respected by the bench and by the prosecution. Juries love her. She is at once a compassionate counselor to her clients and a mighty opponent to the State. She is a tireless and ferocious litigator at all stages of the proceedings. Do not let her physical size fool you, she is a force to be reckoned with."

Jeff Fengcheng Yeh headshot
Jeff Yeh

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Breanna Catherine Slattery headshot
Breanna Slattery

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Frances Prizzia's compassion for her clients allows her to fight on their behalf in a way unmatched by most criminal defense attorney. She truly believes that a strong defense is a right afforded to every individual, and her dedication to her clients shows through at every turn, I highly recommend Ms. Prizzia as a superior criminal defense attorney."

Keith John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Frances and I have worked closely on several criminal defense matters. She is experienced, talented and compassionate. In other words, a truly remarkable lawyer."

Thomas Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Prizzia is a very strong trial attorney. I have witnessed her skills and am confident in endorsing her. Her passion for defending her clients is only matched by her desire to uphold the constitution."

View All Endorsements
Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Matthew Williams headshot
Ryan Williams

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Client Choice Award, Avvo

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2013

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2011

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) Student course, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

2005

Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara University School of Law

2005

Articles Editor, Santa Clara Journal of International Law

2004

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

2004

Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara University School of Law

2003

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

2003

Summer Program for International Humanitarian Rights, Santa Clara University School of Law Institute of International and Comparative Law

2002

Public Interest Scholar, Santa Clara University School of Law

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Attorney/ Owner, Law Offices of Frances Prizzia, A.P.L.C.

2009 - 2009

Deputy Alternate Public Defender, Los Angeles Alternate Public Defender

2006 - 2009

Deputy Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender

2006 - 2006

Contract Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union Of Northern California

2005 - 2006

Legal Intern, Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office

2004 - 2005

Certified Law Clerk, Santa Cruz Public Defender

2004 - 2004

Law Student Case Handler, Northern California Innocence Project

2003 - 2004

Law Student Case Handler, Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center

Associations

2025 - Present

Los Angeles Unity Bar

Vice Chair

2025 - Present

Orange County Unity Bar

Co-chair

2025 - Present

California Legal Pathways Collaborative

Communications Manager

2024 - Present

Italian American Lawyers Association

Board Member

2015 - Present

Philippine Bar Association

Attorney Member

2015 - Present

California Women Lawyers

Attorney Member

2014 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Trial Lawyer Member

2014 - Present

South Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Present

West Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Attorney Member

1998 - Present

Phi Delta Phi

Member

2022 - 2023

Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange County

President

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Patrick N.

Hung Jury (9 to 3 for Not Guilty)

People v. Eloy A.

*Pled down to Petty Theft of Lost Property and Driving without a license (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Erick S.

*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Brian O.

*Pled down to Simple Battery (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Eun 0.

*Pled down to Disturbing the Peace (NO JAIL TIME)

People v. Anna R.

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Santa Clara University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2024

Liwanag Conference

Across Sectors Law Panel

2022

Webinar

Ins and Outs of starting a law firm

2021

Webinar on AAPI hate crimes

What are hate crimes and what can AAPI attorneys do about them?

2021

Overcoming Barriers

How minority attorneys in the public sector find success at the highest levels

Languages

English

Tagalog

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution